Google Messages alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Google Messages: android only, with the web version tied to your phone, and SMS and many cross-platform chats aren't encrypted. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Google Messages, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Apple Messages (iMessage) currently ranks first.
No alternatives match these filters.
Show all 5 alternativesThe best Google Messages alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Google Messages alternative for most people
Apple Messages (iMessage)The Apple-device equivalent if you are switching from Android to iPhone.
Best Google Messages alternative for a free option
WhatsAppWorks identically across Android, iPhone and desktop, with encryption in every chat.
Best Google Messages alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
TelegramProper desktop apps and cloud sync that don't depend on your phone staying online.
Best Google Messages alternative for open source
SignalEncrypts every conversation regardless of carrier or the other person's phone.
Best Google Messages alternative for Mac
BeeperCombines SMS with WhatsApp, Signal and other networks in one inbox.
Best Google Messages alternative for Windows
WhatsAppWorks identically across Android, iPhone and desktop, with encryption in every chat.
Best Google Messages alternative for Linux
SignalEncrypts every conversation regardless of carrier or the other person's phone.
Best Google Messages alternative for iPhone and Android
WhatsAppWorks identically across Android, iPhone and desktop, with encryption in every chat.
Best Google Messages alternative for working in the browser
WhatsAppWorks identically across Android, iPhone and desktop, with encryption in every chat.
Google Messages alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Google Messages?
Apple Messages (iMessage) ranks first right now. The Apple-device equivalent if you are switching from Android to iPhone. WhatsApp and Signal follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Google Messages?
Yes. Apple Messages (iMessage) (free), WhatsApp (free), Signal (free) and Telegram (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Google Messages?
Yes: Signal.
Which Google Messages alternatives work on Linux?
Signal, Telegram and Beeper run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Google Messages?
The complaints we hear most: android only, with the web version tied to your phone; SMS and many cross-platform chats aren't encrypted; depends on carriers and phone settings for RCS.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Google Messages, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.